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Phil Foden felt Manchester City were at their worst before recovering from 2-0 down to secure top spot in their Champions League group with a 3-2 win over Leipzig.<\/p>\n
The holders trailed to two breakaway Lois Openda goals at half-time of Tuesday\u2019s clash at the Etihad Stadium.<\/p>\n
Foden sparked their recovery after the interval, teeing up goals for Erling Haaland and substitute Jeremy Doku either side of scoring a sublime effort himself.<\/p>\n
The England midfielder told TNT Sports: \u201cFirst half was the worst I\u2019ve seen us. Courage and motivation courage changed it around. This team has great mentality and it\u2019s so nice to see.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe just needed that goal to get going. Even the fans were a lot louder after the goal. Once the first went in the motivation was there. We\u2019ve got a great record at the Etihad and it only takes one goal to change things.\u201d<\/p>\n
City\u2019s victory not only made certain of preferential seeding in the last 16 for a seventh successive season but extended their English record unbeaten run in European competition to 19 games.<\/p>\n
Manager Pep Guardiola was pleased with that achievement but admitted concern about the performance.<\/p>\n
The Spaniard said: \u201cIf we talk about the qualification it is a great night. If we talk about the game, we could do better.<\/p>\n
\u201cSloppy goals \u2013 in football you have to win duels and it was quite similar against Chelsea. We were solid and now we\u2019ve had two warnings already.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s the same up front. We\u2019ve had chances and missed them.<\/p>\n
\u201cBut maybe for the future it\u2019s good to win not comfortably, to show we are able to make a comeback.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we scored early in the second half, 45 minutes was a long time for them. It was not easy because they defended really well and they were strong, but we are there.<\/p>\n
\u201cNow we have five days to recover for the game against Spurs.\u201d<\/p>\n
Leipzig\u2019s display was a huge improvement on their 7-0 loss at the same venue last season and coach Marco Rose felt his side were unfortunate not to get more from the game.<\/p>\n
Rose said: \u201cWe knew we made them angry in the first half. It got more difficult.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf we kept the clean sheet a little bit longer, maybe then the chance would become bigger and bigger to win or to take something home, but at the end you need a little bit of luck and that is what we missed maybe.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe played a really good game, but this is City.\u201d<\/p>\n